Borazon-gate pH-sensitive field effect transistor

A borazon-gate ISFET is used as a pH sensor. Boron nitride was deposited by the reactive-pulse plasma method and electron diffraction served for membrane identification. The borazon-gate sensors responded linearly to pH in the range 1.8–10; the slope was about 52 mV pH^?1. Selectivity for H⁺ ions over K⁺, Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ ions was better than that of silicon nitride-gate ISFETs.     

Alcohol-FET sensor based on a complex cell membrane enzyme system

An alcohol -FET sensor was developed by use of a complex enzyme system in a cell membrane and an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET). The cell membrane of Gluconobacter suboxydans IFO 12528, which converts ethanol to acetic acid, was immobilized on the gate of an ISFET with calcium alginate gel coated with nitrocellulose. This ISFET (1), a reference ISFET without the cell membrane (ISFET 2) and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode were placed in 5 mM Trismalate buffer (pH 5.5, 25°C), and the differential output between ISFETS 1 and 2 was measured. The output of the sensor was stabilized by adding pyrroloquinoline quinone. The response time was ca. 10 min., and there was a linear relationship between the differential output voltage and the ethanol concentration up to 20 mg l^?1. The output of the sensor was stable for 40 h below 30°C. The sensor responded to ethanol, propan- 1-ol and butan- 1-ol, but not to methanol, propan-2-ol and butan-2-ol. The sensor was used to determine blood ethanol.     

Development of microbiosensors

Semiconductor fabrication technology was used for development of ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) and micro-electrodes which have been utilized as transducers of enzyme-based microbiosensors. A urea sensor consisted of two ISFETs; one ISFET is urease-coated ISFET and the other ISFET is reference ISFET. A linear relationship was obtained between the initial rate of voltage change and the logarithm of urea concentration over the range 1.3 to 16.7 mM. ATP and hypoxanthine sensors were also developed utilizing ISFET as a transducer. Furthermore, microelectrodes such as hydrogen peroxide and oxygen sensors were prepared by the silicone fabrication technology. A glucose sensor consisted of a hydrogen peroxide electrode and immobilized glucose oxidase membrane. A linear relationship was observed between the current increase and the concentration of glucose (1–100 mg dl⁻¹). A microoxygen electrode was constructed from Au electrodes, polymer matrix containing alkaline electrolyte and a photocross-linkable polymer membrane. This electrode was used as a transducer in microglucose sensor. A microglutamic acid sensor is also described.     

Ascorbic acid sensor based on ion-sensitive field-effect transistor modified with MnO2 nanoparticles

An ascorbic acid (AA) sensor based on an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) was prepared by modifying the sensitive area of the transducer with MnO₂ nanoparticles. An additional Nafion membrane coated on top of the sensor was used to immobilize the MnO₂ nanoparticles and restrict the amount of ascorbic acid entering the membrane. The reaction of the MnO₂ nanoparticles with ascorbic acid produced a local pH change, which was correlated with the ascorbic acid concentration and could be monitored by the ISFET. The linear range of the ascorbic acid sensor was 0.02-1.27 mM, and the detection limit was 0.01 mM. The effects of buffer concentration, pH, and ionic strength on the sensor performance were also examined. In addition, the sensor has good stability and reproducibility, and the construction and renewal of the sensor are simple and inexpensive.     

Immobilization of thiabendazole-specific monoclonal antibodies to silicon substrates via aqueous silanization

Monoclonal antibodies specific for thiabendazole were immobilized to silicon, silicon dioxide, stoichiometric silicon nitride, and silicon-rich silicon nitride surfaces. This work provides the foundation for the development of a homogeneous sensor system for rapid detection and quantification of thiabendazole residues in produce and animal tissue. Immobilization was performed via aqueous silanization of the substrate followed sequentially by treatment with glutaraldehyde and contact with antibody solution in the presence of detergent. Surfaces were challenged with thiabendazole-horseradish peroxidase conjugate in an ELISA format to estimate immobilized antibody load. A stable and reproducible surface loading of 2 x 10¹¹ antibodies/cm² was obtained only after surfaces received postimmobilization treatments to remove nonspecifically adsorbed antibody. No difference in surface loading was noted when using 30% hydrogen peroxide rather than nitric acid for silanol activation. Little difference was noted among the antibody loadings achieved on the various silicon substrates. Bound antigen-enzyme conjugate was eluted with 0.1N acetic acid and reproducible surface activity was measured for up to four consecutive antigen challenges. Immobilized antibody surfaces were stabilized with 2% sucrose, dehydrated at 37‡C and stored in vacuum or stored at 4‡C in phosphate buffered saline containing 0.01% sodium azide without significant loss of activity.     

Spectrophotometric Determination of Traces of Boron in High Purity Silicon

Abstract

A reddish brown complex is formed between boron and curcumin in concentrated sulphuric acid and glacial acetic acid mixture (1:1). the coloured complex is highly selective and stable for about 3 hours and has the maximum absorbance at 545 nm. the sensitivity of the method is extremely high and the detection limit is 3 parts per billion based on 0.004 absorbance value. the interference of some of the important cations and anions relevant to silicon were studied and it is found that 100 fold excess of most of these cations and anions do not interfere in the determination of boron. the method is successfully employed for the determination of boron in silicon used in semiconductor devices. the results have been verified by standard addition method.     

Micro Ammonia Sensor

Abstract

A micro ammonia sensor, consisting of an ISFET covered with a dry membrane which is made from nonactin and substituted poly-γ-methyl-L-glutamate (PMG) is described. The gate output voltage of the micro ammonia sensor increased with NH₄OH addition. The response time of the sensor was 2 min at 30°C, and the sensor exhibited superior selectivity for NH₄ ⁺ compared to a pH sensitive ISFET.     

Silicon Nitride Capacitive Chemical Sensor for Phosphate Ion Detection Based on Copper Phthalocyanine – Acrylate‐polymer

In this work, we report the development of a highly sensitive capacitance chemical sensor based on a copper C,C,C,C‐ tetra‐carboxylic phthalocyanine‐acrylate polymer adduct (Cu(II)TCPc‐PAA) for phosphate ions detection. A capacitance silicon nitride substrate based Al−Cu/Si‐p/SiO₂/Si₃N₄ structure was used as transducer. These materials have provided good stability of electrochemical measurements. The functionalized silicon‐based transducers with a Cu(II)Pc‐PAA membrane were characterized by using Mott‐Schottky technique measurements at different frequency ranges and for different phosphate concentrations. The morphological surface of the Cu(II)Pc‐PAA modified silicon‐nitride based transducer was characterized by contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy. The pH effect was also investigated by the Mott‐Schottcky technique for different Tris‐HCl buffer solutions. The sensitivity of silicon nitride was studied at different pH of Tris‐HCl buffer solutions. This pH test has provided a sensitivity value of 51 mV/decade. The developed chemical sensor showed a good performance for phosphate ions detection within the range of 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁵ M with a Nernstian sensitivity of 27.7 mV/decade. The limit of detection of phosphate ions was determined at 1 nM. This chemical sensor was highly specific for phosphate ions when compared to other interfering ions as chloride, sulfate, carbonate and perchlorate. The present capacitive chemical sensor is thus very promising for sensitive and rapid detection of phosphate in environmental applications.     

Potentiometric Measurements in Non-Aqueous Media Using Bromide and Iodide Ion Selective Membrane Electrodes

Abstract

Solid membrane bromide and iodide ion selective membrane electrodes were evaluated for their performance in non-aqueous media. The electrodes were evaluated in several alcohols and glacial acetic acid.     

Mechanistic role of benzylic bromides in the catalytic autoxidation of methylarenes

Different pathways for benzylic bromide transformations were examined under conditions of cobalt-bromide catalysis in acetic acid. It has been shown that benzylic bromides participate in the catalytic cycle through their catalyzed and noncatalyzed oxidation, through their reaction with Co(III), and through cobalt(II)-catalyzed solvolysis. The rates of the direct reduction of Co(III) by several benzylic bromides were measured under an argon atmosphere; the reaction occurs by a mechanism involving two forms of Co(III). The same reaction under an oxygen atmosphere initiates the cobalt-bromide-catalyzed oxidation of benzyl bromide, thus leading to the regeneration of inorganic bromide and the fast reduction of Co(III). Solvolysis of benzylic bromides plays only a minor role in the regeneration of inorganic bromide in glacial acetic acid.     

Development of an ion-sensitive field effect transistor based on PVC membrane technology with improved long-term stability

An NH -ISFET sensor based on PVC membrane technology with improved long-term stability has been developed. As a new approach, the plasticizer (tetra-n-undecyl) 3,3′,4,4′ -benzhydroltetracarboxylate (ETH2112) was used in membrane preparation. Its lipophilic nature provides a restricted diffusion of the membrane components to the external solution and improves membrane adhesion to the gate area of the ISFET. The good performance of this plasticizer was confirmed by comparison with usual plasticizers applied in standard ISE technology. Moreover, the durability and stability of the sensor were enhanced by the application of a graphite-epoxy layer as an internal reference between the gate area and the PVC membrane. This composite layer permits the reduction of the optical sensitivity and improves the adherence of the PVC membrane to the ISFET surface. Furthermore, this composite layer acts as a plug, preventing the entrance of water upon the encapsulant-chip interface, thus protecting electrical connections from moisture. As a result, an NH -ISFET with a long-term stability of three months and a sensitivity of −58.7 ± 2.3 mV decade⁻¹ in a linear range of 10⁻⁵ −0.1 mol dm⁻³ has been developed. The application of this sensor to a continuous-flow system has confirmed the feasibility of the technological approach proposed.     

Advances in photolithographically fabricated ENFET membranes

A photolithographically fabricated membrane for enzyme immobilisation based on an Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) is described. The preparation of an Enzyme-FET (ENFET) containing urease was successful. The ENFET has been used for the determination of urea and pesticides; this depends on the chosen enzyme level in the membrane and can be employed in a flow-injection system. The urea sensitive sensor (high enzyme load) has a wide linear range (1–500 mmol/l) a fast response (t₉₅=20 s) and a lifetime greater than 30 days. The application of this sensor to the determination of urea in the waste water from a fertilizer plant and in blood serum is discussed. The second sensor (low enzyme level) was able to detect pesticides in water based on the inhibition of urease. The detection limit was found to be 0.1 µg/l for Carbofuran (10 minutes incubation time, without preconcentration).     

A novel Urushi matrix chloride ion-selective field effect transistor

A durable chloride ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET) is proposed with Urushi as the membrane matrix. The chloride ion-sensing material is a quaternary ammonium chloride: trioctylmethylammonium chloride (TOMA-Cl) or tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDMA-Cl). The optimum composition of the Urushi membrane was found by use of Urushi ion-selective electrodes. The mixture with the most favourable composition was coated on the gate region of the FET device. The Urushi ISFET with TDMA-Cl proved to be superior to that with TOMA-Cl, in sensitivity, linearity and selectivity. The Urushi ISFET with TDMA-Cl showed a linear response of about -51 mV per decade change of chloride ion activity in the range 10(-4)-1M. The Urushi ISFET showed excellent stability and durability for over two months, because of strong adhesion of the membrane to the Si(3)N(4) gate.     

The use of sulfamic acid as a primary standard in nonaqueous titrimetry

A method has been developed for the standardization of a typical nonaqueous base lithium methoxide, with an inorganic primary standard, sulfamic acid. 'T'his acid was found to dissolve readily in four independant basic solvents, dimethyl formamide, ethylenediamine, n-butylamine and dimethyl sulfoxide. Sulfamic acid could be titrated in each of these solvents, by both visual and potentiometric means with lithium methoxide dissolved in benzene-methanol. No gels nor precipitates resulted in the course of the titrations and the accuracy of the method was comparable to that obtained using benzoic acid as the primary standard. Conductometric titrations were also performed using sulfamic acid dissolved in two systems, dimethyl formamide and glacial acetic acid. In the latter solvent it was possible to titrate sulfamic acid with perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid.     

Amperometric determination of acetic acid with immobilized Trichosporon brassicae

A microbial sensor consisting of immobilized Trichosporon brassicae, a gas-permeable Teflon membrane and an oxygen electrode is suitable for the continuous determination of acetic acid in fermentation broths. When an acetic acid solution is pumped through the flow system, the current decreases to a steady state with a response time of 8 min; shorter pumping times give peaks which can also be measured. The relationship between the current decrease and the acetic acid concentration is linear up to 54 mg l^-1, with a relative standard deviation of about 6% at the higher concentrations. Selectivity is satisfactory. Results obtained with this sensor and by gas chromatography for a glutamic acid fermentation broth were in good agreement (regression coefficient 1.04). The sensor was stable for more than 3 weeks and 1500 assays.     

Cataluminescence sensor for gaseous acetic acid using a thin film of In2O3

We report on a cataluminescence sensor for the determination of gaseous acetic acid. It is based on a 60-nm thick sol–gel film of In₂O₃ on a ceramic support. SEM, XPS and surface profiling were applied for its characterization. It is found that aluminum ions of the ceramic substrate penetrate into the film and produce a synergetic catalytic effect. The sensor displays high sensitivity and specificity for acetic acid, a low detection limit, a wide linear range and a fast response. No (or only very low) interference was observed by formic acid, ammonia, acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, ethanol, and acetaldehyde. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of acetic acid in spiked air samples. We also discuss a conceivable mechanism (based on the reaction products) for the cataluminescence resulting from the oxidation reaction on the surface of the sensor film.

Vibrational spectral studies of solutions at elevated temperatures and pressures. IX. Acetic acid

Raman spectra of glacial acetic acid from 350 to 3700 cm^–1 have been measured at temperatures up to 275°C and at a pressure of 9 MPa. Raman spectra of aqueous solutions of acetic acid from 3.9 to 16 molar have been measured up to 200°C at a pressure of 7 MPa. The spectral region 800 to 1850 cm^–1 for both glacial acetic acid and its aqueous solutions have been studied in detail since this region is significantly affected by variations in temperature and concentration. An interpretation of the bands in this spectral region was made with the aid of factor analysis, difference spectroscopy, band resolution techniques and the existing extensive literature. The results suggest that the major equilibrium in glacial acetic acid is between cyclic and linear dimers; however, in aqueous solutions in the concentration range studied, mono- and di-hydrated dimers and cyclic dimers are the predominant species.     

Availability and development of an enzyme immunomicrosensor based on an ISFET for human immunoglobulins

A critical evaluation of the potentiometric response of an enzyme immuno-ISFET sensor has demonstrated that it is an effective, simple sensor for human immunoglobulin (IgG). The sensor was constructed using an immobilized human IgG membrane and an ISFET. The assay procedure involves the competitive immunochemical reaction of ureuse-labelled anti-human IgG with human IgG in samples and membrane-bound IgG and the electrochemical determination of membrane-bound urease activity. A linear relationship was obtained between the initial rate of response and the logarithm of IgG concentration from 0.1 to 2.0 mg ml^?1.     

Flow-through sensors for enhancing sensitivity and selectivity of FTIR spectroscopy in aqueous media

The principle of novel flow-through sensor systems with FTIR spectroscopic detection is presented on the example of the determination of organic acids in aqueous solution. The constructed flow-through sensor system is based on trapping of derivatized porous polymer beads in a conventional IR transmission cell and integration of the flow cell into a sequential injection (SI) manifold. By the SI-manifold sample pre-conditioning, sample-sensor interaction and sensor regeneration were performed in an automated and highly reproducible way. The polymer beads used in this study contained anion exchanger groups so that negatively charged molecules such as organic acids present in the anionic form could selectively interact with the polymer beads. Upon pumping a sample through the sensor cell organic acids were retained on the polymer beads whereas non-ionic matrix molecules passed hence allowing to separate the target analytes form the matrix. Apart from that the organic acids were also concentrated onto the polymer beads so that absolute analyte amounts in the low μg range could easily be detected. Linear calibration curves from 0 to 1 mmol l⁻¹ were recorded for acetic and malic acid using a sample volume of 500 μl (s_x0: 0.032 mmol l⁻¹ acetic acid and 0.031 mmol l⁻¹ malic acid). Mixtures of both acids were analyzed as well and it could be shown that by application of multivariate data evaluation procedures (PLS) simultaneous quantification of both acids could be performed successfully using the developed flow-through sensor system.     

Carbon determination in Si3N4 by slurry atomization ICP-AES

Carbon content in silicon nitride powders having mean particle size below 5 m was determined by slurry atomization inductively coupled plasmaatomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). A complete atomization of the solid particles was observed in a low power argon-ICP. The blank value of the carbon signal was reduced by using high purity argon, fresh bidistilled water and an extended torch. Silicon nitride slurries were analyzed by calibration and addition methods with acetic acid as reference. The results were in good agreement with data obtained by a LECO carbon analyzer. A blank restricted detection limit of 0.018% was calculated. The relative standard deviation of the analysis was below 7%.Presented in part at the 1989 European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Reutte, Austria